This week’s shuffling on the list seemed to happen in blocks, with whole four-team segments jumping in the NFL Power Rankings. See for yourself.
1. Denver Broncos – (4-0) The Broncos continue to roll through the NFL, regardless of who they have at quarterback. We may look back at this defensive unit as the best that ever played. Especially in the era of so many pro-offense rule changes. Last week: 2
2. Pittsburgh Steelers – (3-1) After taking a week off of playing legitimate NFL football, the Steelers returned to form all over the Kansas City Chiefs’ faces last Sunday night. Last week: 3
3. Minnesota Vikings – (4-0) So the Vikings beat my experiment. Their recent success has nothing to do with how I pick their games. Good to know. This may be the best team in the NFC. It’d be ironic if the Super Bowl Sam Bradford was supposed to deliver when he was drafted happened with his third NFL team. Last week: 4
4. Dallas Cowboys – (3-1) It turns out Dak Prescott is still fantastic even without Dez Bryant in the line up. And taking Ezekiel Elliott with the No. 4 pick looks smarter all the time. Last week: 5
5. New England Patriots – (3-1) The craziest thing about this 3-1 record is I think it would be identical if Tom Brady hadn’t been suspended at all. You beat the system, Pats. Now your fans can celebrate with what they do best… by committing racist and homophobic hate crimes while wearing Brady and Gronk jerseys. Last week: 1
6. Philadelphia Eagles – (3-0) The Eagles got an extra week to prepare for the Jim Caldwell-led Lions in case anyone thinks they might not go 4-0. Last week: 7
7. Baltimore Ravens – (3-1) The Ravens have the NFL’s best defense statistically and are in every game. The problem is, so are their opponents. It’s time for a good beat down in Baltimore and here comes Washington, sticking its head out. Last week: 6
8. Green Bay Packers – (2-1) The Packers come off their own bye week hosting a stumbling Giants’ squad that just got manhandled by the Vikings Monday night. But the Giants have made a habit of shocking Green Bay at Lambeau Field. This is no time to relax, Aaron Rodgers. Last week: 10
9. Atlanta Falcons – (3-1) The Falcons still haven’t played much defense. So far it hasn’t mattered as the offense has scored enough points for about three teams. Traveling to Denver Sunday may put a stop to that. Last week: 11
10. Los Angeles Rams – (3-1) Ok, Jeff Fisher. OK. I’m almost in, but all you really have to do to convince me this Rams team is for real is beat the Bills Sunday. It’s the kind of game you’re famous for blowing in your time with the team. Beat Buffalo and I’m drinking all the Kool-Aid. Or Sizzurp. Or whatever the hell I need to swallow in order to fall for this seemingly reformed 7-and-9 bullshit. Last week: 12
11. Seattle Seahawks – (3-1) Russell Wilson got the win in New York and now has a week to rest his bum knee before the Halloween run this team has in store for the NFL. Coming up, the Falcons at home (which could be tough), then at the Cardinals, at the Saints and then the Bills. It’s looking good for the Seahawks. Last week: 13
12. Cincinnati Bengals – (2-2) The Bengals are four games into the season and it’s still difficult to see what kind of team they have. Their two wins are over the Jets and Dolphins, two overmatched opponents. Their two losses are against the Steelers and Broncos, two playoff teams. That one-and-done playoff streak doesn’t look in danger of ending this year. Last week: 14
13. Carolina Panthers – (1-3) That’s three pretty serious losses in the first month of the seasom for a team I thought would lose all of three games all season. I wrote about the Panthers Monday and what they need to do. The short answer is, sit Cam Newton for a week to make sure his brain is better and work on his throwing mechanics in the process. Last week: 8
14. New York Giants – (2-2) This is a monster front-loaded schedule, Giants and you should still be kicking your ass at blowing the game against the Redskins two weeks ago. That one’s going to hang on your neck like an albatross if you’re 2-5 or 3-4 coming into your bye week. Last week: 9
Click here for Part 2 of the NFL Power Rankings.
